Police say two people were seriously injured when they got out of their vehicles after a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 1 in Burnaby Tuesday morning.

Emergency crews were called to the highway just east of the Kensington Avenue off-ramp shortly after 3 a.m., according to BC Highway Patrol spokesperson Cpl. Michael McLaughlin.

At least four vehicles were involved in the crash, he said, and five people were taken to hospital, two with minor injuries and three in serious condition.

McLaughlin said the incident involved multiple collisions and the exact sequence had not yet been determined.

Police believe one person was injured “very seriously” inside a vehicle during one of the collisions, and “at least” two others were injured after getting out of their vehicle – one was injured “very seriously” and the other was injured “seriously”. .

“Remember that all pedestrians are extremely vulnerable around roadways, even and especially when people are trying to help them after a collision,” McLaughlin said.

Police are working to reopen the highway, but there is currently no timetable for when that might happen, according to McLaughlin.

“This collision impacted all westbound lanes of traffic, and that’s why all westbound lanes were closed for so long,” McLaughlin said.

The BC Highway Patrol released a call for witnesses and dashcam video Tuesday afternoon.

Anyone who saw what happened or may have video of the crash is asked to call 604-526-9744 and cite case 2024-3163.

“Evidence from witnesses or dash cams will help solidify what happened,” McLaughlin said. “In the meantime, we want to avoid more serious collisions. It is extremely important at this time of year that we all slow down well below the speed limit when conditions are this bad.”

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